(UK) What happens if I can't complete verification checks?

[Coldspark]

I've been on dozens of gambling sites and usually there's no problem at all with withdrawing winnings but with the few sites that do ask for documents I've been able to submit my Birth Certificate and Bank Statement to get verified since I'm unable to drive and I don't own a passport, and they've always been accepted without issue.

 

But this one bingo site I joined today is refusing to accept anything other than a driving license or a passport, so I will not be able to pass the verification process and in two days time the account will get locked.  Obviously my winnings will be lost, but what happens to the money I deposited?
 

 

"If You do not or cannot provide Us with such information as may be required for these checks to be completed to Our satisfaction We will suspend Your Customer Account until You have provided the relevant information. In the event that You cannot do so Your Customer Account will be closed and any transactions will be voided"

 

 

This is what their terms say about it - "Transactions will be voided" - does that mean they'll refund my deposit?

[Afi4wins]

Yes, only your last deposit amount would be returned to you upon the casino closing your account. Whatever winnings would be nulled.

 

KYC requirements are getting more stringent nowadays. I myself had to close several of my accounts because I couldn't submit any other supporting documents that were requested. In my case, no deposits were ever refunded - I got so pissed off each time that I played off my winnings to zero balance, then immediately requested for account closure. But then again, my winnings were only small amounts, usually less than $100, and never more than $200. Very painful for me to lose it all, but the casino actually loses even more in the long run, so that's a consolation for me, hahaha. 

[cocopop3011]

I've been on dozens of gambling sites and usually there's no problem at all with withdrawing winnings but with the few sites that do ask for documents I've been able to submit my Birth Certificate and Bank Statement to get verified since I'm unable to drive and I don't own a passport, and they've always been accepted without issue.

 

But this one bingo site I joined today is refusing to accept anything other than a driving license or a passport, so I will not be able to pass the verification process and in two days time the account will get locked.  Obviously my winnings will be lost, but what happens to the money I deposited?

 

 

This is what their terms say about it - "Transactions will be voided" - does that mean they'll refund my deposit?

 

Hi ColdSpark!

 

My other half found himself in the same position a few years ago. He had no current passport or driving license at the time so he got a government approved photo ID card which cost him at the time £35. He had winnings in his account just like you, he just waiting until the card came through then before withdrawing.

 

He still uses the same ID today and has withdrawn at hundreds of casinos. From my memory he has only ever had an issue with one casino accepting it, but after a complaint the ID was accepted and winnings approved. I'll see if I can fnd out the name of the card now for you.

[cocopop3011]

I've just checked and it's called a CitizenCard...worth looking into.

[Coldspark]

I can take a look, thanks.  Though one of the reasons I don't have a passport is because I've had a nightmare of a time finding a valid countersignatory.  I imagine this ID card will have similar requirements.

 

But in the case where I would be unable to pass the verification checks, would they refund my first deposit?

[cocopop3011]

I can take a look, thanks.  Though one of the reasons I don't have a passport is because I've had a nightmare of a time finding a valid countersignatory.  I imagine this ID card will have similar requirements.

 

But in the case where I would be unable to pass the verification checks, would they refund my first deposit?

 

Aha, yes it does need a countersignatory. How about your doctor they usually do it at a fee, something like £25 isn't it? Or don't you have a family member that owns their own business or a friend? The list of people you can use is quite long now.

 

I would expect the casino to either refund your deposit or wait until you can get the ID required. Which casino is it?

[pinnit2015]

Not me, but a very good casino years ago footed the bill for my friend to get the required documents: chance your arm and explain and ask them :-p

 

Basically they paid for his passport by increasing the withdrawal amount.

[Coldspark]

It's Butler's Bingo.

 

Doctors aren't allowed to countersign any more.  It also can't be a family member, and I currently know absolutely nobody from the list of "acceptable professions".

[cocopop3011]

It's Butler's Bingo.

 

Doctors aren't allowed to countersign any more.  It also can't be a family member, and I currently know absolutely nobody from the list of "acceptable professions".

 

Oh yes, family members can't...hmmm tough one then. The CitizenCard is no where near as strict as the Passport guidelines though and there were loads of professions to choose from. I really would look into it because if you can get the card then Butlers can just freeze the winnings until it comes through.

 

To be honest I'm actually surprised you've managed to withdraw at all without photo ID with all these strict guidelines now in place. I think you'll find moving forward that you're going to need to get photo ID.

 

How about an employer? Or an old employer you can get into contact with?

[cocopop3011]

Not me, but a very good casino years ago footed the bill for my friend to get the required documents: chance your arm and explain and ask them :-p

 

Basically they paid for his passport by increasing the withdrawal amount.

 

OP is having an issue with finsing someone to countersign his photos so can't get the passport.

[cocopop3011]

I've just checked for you, it could even be someone at your local bank who signs it. I've put a picture for you but if you go on the site it gives loads of other example who you can use.

 

 

 

 

 

[cocopop3011]

Also it's only £30 for an urgent application with Special Delivery 1-2 days which I remember now is what my partner done.

[Coldspark]

After all day of exchanging emails I finally got them, after repeated direct requests, to close my account and only as a "goodwill gesture" did they agree to refund my deposit (also after several separate requests).   I've never had such problems with any other gambling site, and I'm going to have to make a note to stay away from all 6 of their websites.

 

Having pored over the requirements for the PASS cards It doesn't look like I'd be able to successfuly apply for one.

 

I've just checked for you, it could even be someone at your local bank who signs it. I've put a picture for you but if you go on the site it gives loads of other example who you can use.

 

 

They still have to know you personally, and be able to answer questions about you.

[pinnit2015]

Bet365 and Sky all have near enough automated KYC checks. No need for passport, 4 corners and unencrypted emails.

 

KYC, enhances due diligence, SoW - It’s becoming painful.

[Piper89]

Correct Pinnit I have yet to be KYCd by a UK Casino on checking my credit file they have all carried out soft searches which tell them all they need to know.

I have came to the conclusion if u have nothing to hide with in the UK market gambling on line will be pain less.

[cocopop3011]

Correct Pinnit I have yet to be KYCd by a UK Casino on checking my credit file they have all carried out soft searches which tell them all they need to know.

I have came to the conclusion if u have nothing to hide with in the UK market gambling on line will be pain less.

 

You mean on a UKGC only licensed casino? Because me and my partner both still get asked for verification. He did mention to me the other day he withdrew somewhere can't remember where he said now and they didn't ask for ID.

[pinnit2015]

A search of your credit file will be more reliable than a half baked photo of a bank statement that I could easily mock up on my Mac. It needs to be posted? Ok then, I’ll fold it in half and make it look like it was in a letter. Maybe it’s because the UK bookies have access to other datasets. Either way it’s painfree. Also never been asked for front and back of cards etc at those places.

 

For others my details have probably been passed around a Siberian Gulag freely.

[cocopop3011]

A search of your credit file will be more reliable than a half baked photo of a bank statement that I could easily mock up on my Mac. It needs to be posted? Ok then, I’ll fold it in half and make it look like it was in a letter. Maybe it’s because the UK bookies have access to other datasets. Either way it’s painfree. Also never been asked for front and back of cards etc at those places.

 

For others my details have probably been passed around a Siberian Gulag freely.

 

I can't see how searching your credit file can verify you to be honest? Anyone could have stolen your details?

[pinnit2015]

I can't see how searching your credit file can verify you to be honest? Anyone could have stolen your details?

 Your credit file contains multiple data points - ranging from the CIFAS register for frauds to the electoral register to account activity in your name to DOB to Mortgage address. Money Laundering checks by most financial institutions use a soft search to do whatever checks they do as well. It's no different to applying for a credit card - haven't had many credit card companies ask me to supply a utility bill with my application.

 

https://www.experian.co.uk/business-express/identity-solutions/identity-check/ - specifically set up for KYC and obviously have more data sources that the normal user will see. 

 

Iink assumed to be allowed....

[pinnit2015]

Plus if your details have been stolen you'll have a register on CIFAS.

 

A word of caution - it's only a matter of time before this is mis-used by casinos for RG etc - 'we've reviewed your details and have pre-determined your budget for 2018'

[cocopop3011]

 Your credit file contains multiple data points - ranging from the CIFAS register for frauds to the electoral register to account activity in your name to DOB to Mortgage address. Money Laundering checks by most financial institutions use a soft search to do whatever checks they do as well. It's no different to applying for a credit card - haven't had many credit card companies ask me to supply a utility bill with my application.

 

https://www.experian.co.uk/business-express/identity-solutions/identity-check/ - specifically set up for KYC and obviously have more data sources that the normal user will see. 

 

Iink assumed to be allowed....

 

I guess I haven't come across this kind of verification yet then and my other half would be screwed because he can't even access his credit file so I still think it's a dumb idea!

[pinnit2015]

I'll have to dig our a study that was done regarding the data points that places have on you - it was quite astounding - you've the Council's records....to the DWP's records....to HMRC....and then about another 100 plus on top of that.

 

And if you've got facebook you can times that by 2000.

[pinnit2015]

I guess I haven't come across this kind of verification yet then and my other half would be screwed because he can't even access his credit file so I still think it's a dumb idea!

No dumber than using a 4 corner piece of paper to verify someone

[cocopop3011]

No dumber than using a 4 corner piece of paper to verify someone

 

Guess we'll have to agree to disagree on this one Mr Pinnit

[Sanda88]

On 5/9/2018 at 3:24 PM, cocopop3011 said:

 

Oh yes, family members can't...hmmm tough one then. The CitizenCard is no where near as strict as the Passport guidelines though and there were loads of professions to choose from. I really would look into it because if you can get the card then Butlers can just freeze the winnings until it comes through.

 

To be honest I'm actually surprised you've managed to withdraw at all without photo ID with all these strict guidelines now in place. I think you'll find moving forward that you're going to need to get photo ID.

 

How about an employer? Or an old employer you can get into contact with?

I think I have same problem 

Need my passport or licence driving for identification but I don't have them 

Can someone tell if there a solution to withdrawal with other options